Pros and Cons of Oval Cut Diamonds for Engagement Rings

Oval cut diamonds have a classic, elegant look and have lately become one
of the most popular diamond cuts for engagement rings. It has the features of
an elongated round diamond, with even the same number of facets (58) as the
round cut.

Although the oval cut has existed for a long time, the oval cut that we
know and love today was created in the 1960s and is known as a modified round
brilliant.

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of this popular diamond cut for
engagement rings.

Pros of Oval Cut Diamonds

There are many advantages of choosing an oval cut diamond, compared to
other more popular diamond options like the round or princess cuts. Here are
the main benefits:

1- A larger looking diamond

With oval
cut diamonds, you get excellent value for your money with a stone that looks
larger than it is. This is because we tend to measure an oval cut from the top
to the bottom, tracing its longest lines with our eyes. In terms of actual
size, an oval diamond is cut shallower than a round diamond, which means that
it has more surface area, sometimes up to 10%, than a round diamond.

2- A brilliant cut

The oval diamond is known for its brilliance and excellent
light performance, making it a great option if you’re after a sparkling
diamond. The reason for this is the oval cuts faceting structure and alignment,
which enhances light interaction. The oval cut has 58 facets, which is the same
number as the round brilliant, arranged meticulously around its surface.

3- A unique shape

For those of
you who want a classic diamond option with a unique twist, an oval cut has a
lot to offer. The oval cut has a traditional roundish look, but its elongated
shape is unlike any other.

4- A more affordable option

Because the
oval cut is rarer, and the demand for this shape is much lower than that of
shapes like princess or round diamond cuts, oval cuts tend to be much less expensive.
Oval cuts can be up to 30% less expensive than a round diamond. There are two
main reasons that oval cuts are so much more affordable

The demand for oval cuts is lower

The wastage that occurs during the
cutting process is lower for oval cuts and the shape tends to retain most of
its rough

5- Elongates your fingers

The oval cut
tends to make the wearer’s fingers appear slim and long. This is because of the
cut’s longer shape, which creates the illusion of longer fingers. For brides
with short or wide fingers, the oval is an excellent option when set
vertically.

6- Good at hiding color and flaws

One of the
benefits of the oval cut is its ability to hide flaws, thanks to its brilliant
facets. This forgiving nature of the oval cut means that you can drop down low
on the clarity and color scales more than you would be able to with most other
diamond cuts. For clarity, we recommend dropping down to SI1 or SI2 for the
best value and for color try dropping down to H or even I. Remember not to go
based on grading alone, but check out each diamond individually before you buy.

7- No sharp corners

Oval, cushion and round
diamonds are the only diamond shapes with no distinct edges

One of the
best things about rounded diamond shapes is that they don’t have any sharp
corners that can snag on objects or get damaged. Of all diamond shapes, only
the oval, cushion and the round fall into this category.

This might
seem like a small detail, but it affects the overall durability of the diamond
and the setting options to choose from. An oval diamond requires less
protection than say, a princess, marquise or a pear, making it easier to care
for and maintain.

8- Versatile with many design options

The oval
diamond comes in a few different options, depending on the length to width
ratio that you choose. This gives you more versatility and looks to choose
from. While the most popular length to width ratio for oval diamonds is around
1.45, this number can range from 1.33 (a wider oval) to 1.66 (a narrower oval).
This range gives you the most traditional looking oval cuts while lower or
higher than this will give you squatter and thinner ovals respectively.

Because of
the oval shape, you can also choose different orientations, from diagonal to
horizontal placement of the diamond. With a round or princess cut, you don’t
have these options as these shapes have the same look from all sides.

Cons of Oval Cut Diamonds

Although
there are many pros to the oval cut diamond, there are a couple of main flaws
to note. These include:

1- The dreaded bow-tie effect

You’ve probably already heard of bowties in relation to oval cut
diamonds, because it’s one of the main considerations when picking your oval
diamond. Unfortunately, a bowtie isn’t as glamorous as it sounds – rather it’s
something to avoid. It refers to a darkened area that lies horizontally across
the diamond’s surface resembling the shape of a man’s bowtie.

The bowtie in this diamond adds definition to the stone’s look. Check it here.

Bowties occur when light doesn’t reflect back from the center of the
stone because of the stone’s cut. Often this is due to misaligned facets. Now,
a little bit of bow-tie can add beauty and definition to your diamond’s look
but you don’t want it to be too severe. All oval cuts have some degree of bowtie,
but if it’s the first thing you notice when you look at your diamond, it’s best
to opt for a different stone.

This diamond has a
severe horizontal darkened area.

Unfortunately, because diamond grading labs don’t provide a grade for
fancy cuts, which includes oval cuts, the only way to check if you’re oval
diamond has an acceptable cut is to look at it closely and check how it
interacts with light. Grading reports don’t mention the presence of bowties so
it’s best to examine each oval diamond on a case by case basis before you pick
it.

2- Symmetry can be off

If the
symmetry of the oval cut isn’t perfect, the diamond can look slightly wonky or
off-center. Look for identical sides, that mirror each other. If the stone has
been cut inexpertly, it’ll show. This is why it’s not easy to find a
beautifully cut oval diamond and you’ll have to spend some time searching
before you find the right one.

A Quick
Recap

Those are
the main pros and cons to consider with an oval diamond. Buy an oval diamond if
you want: